Hal Erickson

Costs a small fortune in hardcover on the used market these days, but if you have any comprehensive interest at all in cartoons of the later half of the 20th century, Hal Erickson (who you might know from AllMovies Guide) did some titanic work here. In fact, I have no idea how he did it in the age before torrents and video streaming, where that rare cartoon is a search or two away (although he partially explains how he did it in the introduction). Two thick volumes covering just about every show more English language cartoon of the era from A-Z. A tidal wave of useful information. If I have one nitpick, listing the full roster of voice actors for each show takes up considerable space, and I'm not sure it was necessary beyond listing the main cast. This is the type of quality reference book I'll read now and then for the rest of my life. show less

This is pretty much what is says on the cover, a collection of radio shows that had some portion of their program turned into a movie. But that is not to say it is a dry compendium of facts, Erickson definitely has an opinion that he will freely share. All of the big names are covered from Jack Benny and Fred Allen to the modern show of Howard Stern, but he also features lesser known programs like The Great Gildersleeve and Duffy’s Tavern. Reading all of the book just may make you want to show more go and find the originals and lose yourself in the wonders of radio. show less

Mr Erickson gives us details of early radio shows that transitioned to the big screen. He takes one show at a time and gives a detailed picture of how the radio show came about as well as what lead to it's appearance on film. For the most part he does this without getting bogged down in the depths of gratuitous details. The stories he relates are informative and entertaining highlights not only of the stars, but also the creative people behind the scenes. Mr Erickson lets us know the factors show more that lead to the success or failure of these transitions. Many of the shows and stars highlighted are still well remembered, such as comedians Jack Benny and Bob Hope and shows such as Amos 'n Andy, The Life of Riley, The Shadow, and Ozzie and Harriet. Many other shows have faded from our memories like; Baron Munchausen, Myrt and Marge, Kay Kyser, and Scattergood Baines. The book is nicely illustrated with vintage photographs and posters. I have to admit to skipping around some of the more obscure subjects as they had no appeal to me, but the stories and nostalgia of many others made reading this a pleasant journey down memory lane. show less

Hal Erickson's From Radio to the Big Screen is a thorough reference on radio programs that made the leap (sometimes not particularly that successfully) to the big screen. The amount of detail in this books is astonishing - and commendable. All the big shows and names are here, along with programs and their actors that might otherwise have been lost to the annals of time.

Some entries are better than others. In the very first one, about Ann Howe, concludes her life with the note that she is show more not the woman who starred in 1990 porn movies. A poor attempt at humor? Why ever it's there, it's not funny, it's confusing, and it's inappropriate.

Despite this and some other issues, this book is a great reference for fans of radio shows and film alike. show less